Unexpected vet bills are the last thing anyone wants, especially within a week before pay day. That is usually the time our fury friends choose to fight, badly mutilating each other or they are unfortunate to catch the bug in town. Given that reducing expenses is a high priority at the moment, how do we classify what constitutes saving when it comes to caring for our pets?
Is it better to not take your pet to the vet?
As a veterinarian for a few years, I have seen several clients battling with the decision of what is necessary or unnecessary for their pets. A number of times having to watch them making the least favourable decisions against professional advice. However, in other instances, vets will only get to see the consequences of wrong decisions and attempt to remedy the situations. The unfortunate thing is that the financial implications are the major drivers to the route the pet owner takes.
Pet Emergiences can usually be avoided
Speaking on behalf of “science”, most common illnesses have well documented disease processes which definitely take a few days to weeks or months to progress. I am always surprised when I attend to the late night or Sunday morning EMERGENCIES of cases that would have taken a long time to progress but are presented as having just started.
This usually leaves me with two questions:
i) Do clients really know how to tell the difference between what they need to worry about, from what they need not worry about, regarding the health of their pets?
ii) Is it purely a way to SAVE money from the client`s perspective?
A fatal outcome?
The outcome of such cases is usually fatal, yet it could have been fully avoided. It is always heartbreaking to see the client losing money in an attempt to save their beloved pet, when it is too late. Emotionally and financially, that is the ultimate cost of saving.
Spend money on vaccinating, and you will save money in the long term
My best saving tip for today is this: IF YOU CAN VACCINATE AGAINST A DISEASE, THEN VACCINATE TIMEOUSLY. A good example is Canine parvovirus infection/”Kat grip” (which is rampant in our town). Vaccinating against this deadly disease will save you greater than 60% of the cost of treating for the disease. Other saving tips have been reserved for a more fitting time.
What might appear to be saving is actually nurturing a small problem until it is a fatal ending. A stitch in time saves nine. If we love our pets/animals, then we should find it in our hearts to take the right decisions and in time to ensure their short time with us is as comfortable as possible. We chose them!
Article By :
Dr. Adolf Makotose (BVSc)
Draad Street Veterinary Consulting Room
Cell: 0745795675 / Office: 017 826 0089
About Dr Makotose:
Dr Adolf Makotose graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree from the University of Zimbabwe. He proceeded to register with the South African Veterinary Council in 2009. Soon after registration, he worked at one of the 24 hour practices in the Northern suburbs of Johannesburg until 2011. From private practice he joined the South African state veterinarian services to date.
He started Draad Street Veterinary practice in June 2014. He has experience in small animals, farm animals, and a bit of wildlife. Dr Makotose is married with a son, an office cat, cattle, and goats.
